Review: Osage is the alter ego of veteran Philadelphia dj/producer lil'dave. A member of the highly respected Illvibe Collective and the co-host of the internationally known broadcast Eavesdrop Radio, he has released music under various aliases for record labels. BBE Records, Tru Thoughts, Record Breakin' Music and First Word Records to name but a few. His sound incorporates deep house, African rhythms, UK garage, broken beat and much more. Over the years, he has been building a solid reputation, with his tracks supported by notable tastemakers such Gilles Peterson. This 12" compiles four favourite moments from the two EPs that Osage has released thus far on the Brooklyn based Bastard Jazz - who have previously presented works by Soul Clap, Phil Gerus and Dead Horse Beats. From the deep, sexy and soulful house of "I Found You" (feat Dezeray Dawn ) to the spiritual Afro vibe of "Last Call" and the rather Bugz In The Attic sounding "Anyway" (feat Yemi) - this is a solid release.

Review: E Da Boss and Trailer Limon, two of the US' most hyped boogie maestros, are back with a new EP for Brooklyn's Bastard Jazz Recordings, under The Pendletons moniker, and we have to say that it sounds like some pretty dope material from the get-go! The lead track "Funk Forever" is a downpour of funky pop vibes guided and charged by jazzy nuances, and the following "Don't Be Late" is a certified tune for the lovers. On the B-side, "Telling Lies" slows the tempo to a majestic r&b swing, filtered through fat boogie bass, while "Set Sail" features the vocals of Ishtar in what is a proper boogie slammer, and "In The Mood" is all about the slow, sensual sound of endless, blissful synths. Gorgeous.

Review: Trailer Limon and E Da Boss (he of Myron & E fame) have been recording as The Pendletons for the best part of a decade, serving up occasional slices of revivalist electrofunk and turn-of-the-'80s soul. They're at it again here, popping up on Bastard Jazz with a double dose of goodness made with the assistance of some of the Bay Area's finest musicians. The headline attraction is undoubtedly the Howard Johnson hook-up "You Do You", a rich and evocative chunk of mid-tempo disco-soul blessed with mix-friendly drum breaks, seductive instrumentation (think glistening funk guitars, toasty bass, punchy horns and fluid pianos) and a slick, smooth lead vocal. "Life To Me", a more sugary affair built around distinctive slap bass, sustained chords, relaxed drums and subtle synth flourishes, is similarly impressive.

Review: Nick Wisdom and Astrological return with their second album under the Potatohead People moniker, once again for Brooklyn's now legendary Bastard Jazz Recordings! The new album, Nick & Astro's Guide To The Galaxy, is an unsurprising excursion into the deepest and darkest realms of hyper-space, guided and transported by romantic r&b influences. It's twelve tracks take you well around the bend, breaking the beats up with pure elegance, and merging the best of jazz and hip-hop together under one roof. This is a session album for session people, and must be heard in its entirety to fully appreciate it. Recommended!